Convertible
top
drive
motor,
replacing
5
.
Working
in
convertible
top
storage
compartment
be-
hind
driver's
seat,
remove
convertible
top
linkage
rods
1
.
Open
convertible
top
partially,
stopping
when
convert-
from
top
of
motor
.
Refer
to
Fig
.
11
.
ible
top
lid
is
fully
upen
.
Remove
lid
.
2
.
Release
luggage
compartment
lock-out
by
pressing
on
microswitch
in
right
convertible
top
lid
latch
.
See
Fig
.
14
.
0012745
Fig
.
14
.
Rightside
convertible
top
lid
latch
.
Arrow
points
to
location
of
luggage
compartment
lock-out
microswitch
.
3
.
Open
luggage
compartment
.
Remove
trim
and
inner
lining
from
left
side
of
compartment
.
4
.
Disconnect
electrical
harness
connectors
at
top
motor
.
Release
emergency
release
cable
from
lever
.
Push
le-
ver
up
to
release
motor
.
See
Fig
.
15
.
uu12759
Fig
.
15
.
Convertible
top
motor
(A)
and
release
lever
(B)
in
luggage
compartment
.
CONVERTIBLE
TOP
541-
7
6
.
Remove
four
fastenersholding
motor
to
body
and
re-
move
motor
through
luggage
compartment
.
See
Fig
.
16
.
0012761
Fig
.
16
.
Convertible
top
motor
mountingscrews
(arrows)
.
Gasket
(A)
mustbe
renewed
when
motor
is
replaced
.
7
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Keep
the
following
in
mind
:
"
Replace
sealing
gasket
between
top
of
motor
and
body
.
"
Securemotormountingscrews
with
Locktite
®
270
or
equivalent
.
Tightening
Torque
"
Convertible
top
motor
to
body
mountingscrews
...
...
.
.
.........
10
Nm
(7
.5
ft-Ib)
Convertible
Top
Emergency
Operation
A
malfunction
in
the
electrical
system
or
another
fault
in
the
convertible
top
mechanism
can
cause
the
automatic
or
semi-
automatic
top
to
be
stuck
in
open,
shut,
or
intermediate
posi-
tion
.
The
following
general
procedures
are
suggested
in
order
to
close
the
top
in
an
emergency
situation
.
Resetting
proce-
dures
for
convertible
top
synchronization
after
emergency
clo-
sure
are
beyond
the
scope
of
this
manual
.
Main
Motor
.
To
release
thetop
linkage
from
the
motor,
lift
the
left
comer
of
the
rearseat
to
access
emergency
release
handle
.
See
Fig
.
17
.
POWER
CONVERTIBLE
TOP
NOTE
-
Sometimes
the
color
of
en
installed
wire
may
be
differ-
ent
than
the
one
on
the
wiring
diagram
.
Don't
be
con-
cerned
.
Just
be
sure
lo
confirm
that
the
wire
connects
lo
the
proper
terminals
.
Wire
color
codes
"
BLU
.........
.
..
..
...
.
.................
Blue
"
BRN
....:....
.
..
..
...
..
...............
Brown
"
YEL
.........
.
..
..
...................
.Yellow
"
GRN
.........
.
..
..
...
.
................
creen
"
G
RY
.......
.
.
.
..
..
.....................
G
ray
"
ORG
.........
.
..
..
...
.
..............
.Orange
"
RED
......
...
.
.
..
.....................
.Red
"
BLK
.........
.
..
..
...
.
................
Black
"
VIO
..........
.
..
...
..
..
.......
.
.......
Violet
"
WHT
.........
.
.
....
.
...
:..............
White
Table
a
.
Terminal
and
Circuit
Numbers
Number
1
Circuít
description
1
j
Low
voltage
switched
terminal
of
coi¡
4
1
High
voltage
center
termina¡
of
coi¡
+x
Originates
atignition
switch
.
Supplies
powerwhen
the
ignition
switch
is
in
the
PARK,
RUN,
or
START
position
15
Originates
atignition
switch
.
Supplies
powerwhen
ignition
switch
is
in
RUN
or
START
position
30
Battery
positive
(+)
voltage
.
Supplies
power
whenever
battery
is
connected
.
(Not
dependent
on
ignition
switch
position,
unfused)
31
1
Ground,
battery
negative
(-)
terminal
50
Supplies
power
from
battery
to
starter
solenoid
when
ignition
switch
isin
START
position
only
+54
Originates
atignition
switch
.
Supplies
power
when
ignition
switch
isin
the
RUN
position
only
85
1
Ground
side
(-)
ofrelay
coil
86
1
Power-in
side
(+)
ofrelay
coil
87
1
Relay
actuatedcontact
D
Alternator
warning
light
and
field
energizing
circuit
ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM-GENERAL
600-
3
Additional
abbreviations
shown
in
the
wiring
diagrams
are
given
below
.
Abbreviations
"
ABS
........
.
...
.
...
.
..........
antilock
brakes
"
A/C
........
.
...
..
..
.
.........
.airconditioning
"
AST/ASC+T
.......
...
.
.
.......
al¡
season
traction
"
CONV
.......
.
.
...
.................
convertible
"
DME
........
.
.
...
.......
digital
motor
electronics
"
ECM
.......
.
...
..
..
.
..
electronic
control
module
"
EWS/EWS
II
......
...
.
.
coded
driveaway
protection
"
SRS
........
.
supplemental
restraint
system-airbag
"
TCM
........
.
..
....
.
transmission
control
module
"
ZKE
(94-98
models)
..
..
.
...
central
body
electronics
"
ZVM
(92-93
models)
...
.
.
..
.
.......
central
locking
ELECTRICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
Most
terminals
are
identified
by
numbers
on
the
compo-
nents
and
harness
connectors
.
The
terminal
numbers
for
ma-
Four
things
are
required
for
current
toflow
in
any
electrical
jor
electrical
connections
are
shown
in
the
diagrams
.
Though
circuit
:
a
voltagesource,
wires
or
connections
to
transport
the
many
terminal
numbers
appear
only
once,
severa¡other
num-
voltage,
a
load
or
device
that
uses
the
electricity,
and
a
con-
bers
appear
in
numerous
places
throughout
the
electrical
sys-
nection
to
ground
.
Most
problemscanbefound
using
a
digital
tem
and
identify
certain
types
ofcircuits
.
Some
of
the
most
multimeter
(volt/ohm/amp
meter)to
check
for
voltage
supply,
common
circuit
numbers
are
listed
below
in
Table
a
.
for
breaks
in
the
wiring
(infinite
resistance/no
continuity),
orfor
a
path
to
ground
that
completesthe
circuit
.
Electric
current
is
logical
in
its
flow,
always
moving
from
the
voltage
sourcetoward
ground
.
Electricalfaults
can
usually
be
located
through
a
process
of
elimination
.
When
troubleshoot-
ing
a
complex
circuit,
separate
the
circuit
into
smaller
parts
.
The
general
testsoutlined
below
may
be
helpful
in
finding
electrical
problems
.
The
information
is
most
helpful
when
used
with
the
wiring
diagrams
.
Be
sure
to
analyze
the
problem
.
Use
the
wiring
diagrams
to
determine
the
most
likely
cause
.
Getan
understanding
of
how
the
circuit
works
by
following
the
circuit
from
groundback
to
the
power
source
.
When
making
test
connections
at
connectors
andcompo-
nents,
use
care
to
avoidspreading
or
damaging
the
connec-
tors
or
terminals
.
Some
tests
may
require
jumper
wires
to
bypass
components
or
connections
in
the
wiring
harness
.
When
connecting
jumper
wires,
use
bladeconnectors
at
the
wire
ends
that
match
the
size
of
the
terminal
being
tested
.
The
small
interna¡
contacts
are
easily
spread
apart,
and
this
can
cause
intermittent
or
faultyconnections
that
can
leadto
more
problems
.
ELECTRICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
610-2
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fuses
number47
and
50are
mounted
on
the
left
side
splice
panel
.
Refer
lo
Fig
.
5
.
Fuse48
is
mounted
on
the
auxiliary
relay
panel
.
Refer
to
Fig
.
3
.
Fuse
49
is
mounted
in
the
right
side
of
the
luggage
compart-
ment
behind
the
trim
cover
.
Relay
Positions
Mounted
in
the
left-hand
rear
comer
of
the
engine
compart-
ment,
the
power
distribution
box
contains
46
(uses
and
15
re-
lay
positions
.
See
Fig
.
2
.
Fuses31-46
-
Er
a
&QT
MM
~
Fig
.
2
.
E36
front
power
distribution
box
.
FUSE
AND
RELAY
POSITIONS
Fuses1-20
13
EL1
5
]
mmmmmmmmmm
Fuses
21-30
--
0013034)
1
.
Fuel
pump
relay
9
.
Heater/A/C
Blower
relay
2
.
System
(main)
relay
10
.
Rear
defogger
relay
3
.
Oxygen
sensorheater
re-
11
.
ABS
system
relay
lay
12
.
ABS
pump
relay
4
.
Horn
relay
13
.
High
speed
radiator
fan
re-
5
.
Taillight/foglight
relay
]ay
6
.
Low
beam
relay
14
.
A/C
compressor
relay
7
.
High
beam
relay
15
.
Low
speed
radiator
fan
re-
8
.
Emergency
flasherrelay
¡ay
Auxiliary
Relay
Panel
The
auxiliary
relay
panel
contains
five
relay
positions
.
In
lat-
er
modeis
an
additional
fuse
holder
(Fuse48)
and
the
EWS
II
(anti-theft)
transmitter/receiver
module
are
located
on
this
panel
.
See
Fig
.
3
.
The
panel
is
located
nextto
the
steering
column
under
the
driver's
side
dashboard
.
To
access
this
panel,
remove
the
pwer
dash
panel
on
driver's
side
.
See513
Interior
Trim
.
Then
remove
the
driver's
side
knee
bolster
.
Lower
the
relay
panel
by
gently
releasing
the
plastic
retainers
.
See
Fig
.
4
.
During
installation,
be
sure
the
retainer
tabs
are
engaged
in
the
relay
panel
.
Splice
Panel,
Left
3
¡ni
Fig
.
3
.
Auxiliary
relay
panel
under
left
side
of
dash
.
Fuse
48)
0013035
1
.
Comfort
relay
(where
ap-
4
.
Not
used
plicable)
5
.
Not
used
2
.
Crash
control
module
6
.
EWS
II
transmitter/receiv-
3
.
Park
ventilation
relay
er
module
(from
Jan
.
1995)
0013164
Fig
.
4
.
Auxiliary
relay
panel
under
left
sideof
dashboard
(arrow)
.
The
left
splice
panel
contains
four
relay
positions
and
an
ad-
ditional
fuse
holder
(Fuses
47
and
50)
.
To
access
the
left
side
electrical
splice
panel,
remove
the
left
side
dash
panel
and
knee
bolster,
as
described
earlier
.
The
panel
is
located
above
and
lo
the
left
of
the
clutch
pedal
.
See
Fig
.
5
.
Fig
.
5
.
Splice
panel
under
left
side
of
dash
.
SplicePanel,
Right
ir1!
1,
111lí~lll
.
'
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-3
0013091
1
.
Unloader
relay
4
.
Starter
immobilization
2
.
Wiper
relay
relay
(1994
only)
3
.
Wiper
motor
relay
F47
&
F50
Fuses47
and
50
The
right
splice
panel
contains
three
relay
positions
.
It
is
lo-
cated
under
the
right
side
of
the
dashboard
.
To
access
the
panel,
remove
theglove
compartment
as
de-
scribed
in
513
Interior
Trim
.
See
Fig
.
6
.
Fig
.
6
.
Splice
panel
under
right
side
of
dash
(arrow)
.
Glove
compart-
ment
and
right
side
vents
shown
removed
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
On
the
following
pages
are
illustrations
and
photos
showing
the
location
of
major
electrical
components
in
E36
vehicles
.
NOTE-
-
Every
component
is
not
installed
in
everycar
.
"
Due
to
changes
in
production,
component
locations
may
vary
from
what
is
illustrated
.
Consult
your
BMW
dealer
for
the
latest
information
.
"
The
gear-position/neutral
safety
switch
ís
also
some-
times
referred
to
as
the
automatic
transmission
range
switch
.
"
The
EWS
11
system
is
also
sometimes
referred
to
as
the
Driveaway
Protection
System
or
the
electronic
im-
mobilization
system
.
"
All-Season
Traction
(AST)
is
also
sometimes
referred
to
as
ASC
or
ASC+T
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-4
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
--J
L
Windshield
washertank
&
pump
Fig
.
7
.
E36
engine
compartment
layout
.
M42
engine
compartment
shown
.
-,x
0013204
Fig
.
8
.
Control
modules
under
right
sideof
dash
.
Glove
compart-
ment
has
been
removed
.
For
module
identification,
see
Fig
.
9
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
RSP
'I
4
ABS
Main
engine
Power
hydraulic
harness
distribution
control
unit
connector
I
box
oe
1
.
SRS
(Airbag)
control
module
(through
1993)
2
.
ABS/ASC+T
control
module
(as
applicable)
3
.
Central
locking
module
(through
1993)
4
.
Anti-theft
alarm
module
or
ZKE
IV
control
module
(from
1994)5
.
Rear
window
blower
relay
(convertible
models)6
.
Horn
relay
7
.
Wiper/washer
module
8
.
Rear
power
window
relay
(four-door
models)9
.
Luggage
compartment
lid
lock
relay
(convertible)
10
.
Cruise
control
module
EWS
II
control
module
(from
Jan
.
1995)
RSP
:
Right
splice
panel
0013215
Fig
.
9
.
Identificationof
control
modules
under
right
side
of
dash
.
Module
utilízation
varies
byyear
andmodel
Fig
.
29
.
Transmission
gear-position/neutral
safety
switch
under
center
console
.
Squeeze
connector
tabs
(arrows)
to
disengage
har-
ness
connector
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-
9
6263
Fig
.
30
.
Back-up
light
switch
(arrow)
on
transmission
.
(Switch
may
be
found
on
right
or
left
sideof
transmission,
depending
on
ap-
plication
.)
Fig
.
31
.
ASS
wheel
speed
sensor
(arrow)
in
front
steering
arm
.
Component
Location
Table
Table
a
is
a
cross-referenced
listing
of
electrical
compo-
nents
in
E36
vehicles
beginning
onpage
10
.
In
addition
to
lo-
cation
descriptions,
where
possiblethere
is
areference
to
a
figure
showing
the
component
.
NOTE-
-
Every
component
is
not
installed
in
everycar
.
"
Due
to
changes
in
production,
component
locations
may
vary
.
Consult
your
BMW
dealer
forthe
latest
in-
formation
.
"
The
figure
numbers
are
all
within
this
section
.
Many
other
electrical
components
are
illustrated
throughout
this
book
.
Consult
the
main
index
"
The
gear-position/neutral
safetyswitch
is
aleo
some-
times
referred
to
as
the
automatic
transmission
range
switch
.
"
The
EWS
11
system
is
also
sometimes
referredto
as
the
Driveaway
Protection
System
or
the
electronic
im-
mobilization
system
.
"
All-Season
Traction
(AST)
is
also
sometímes
referred
to
as
ASC
or
ASC+T
.
0012117
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-12
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Combination
(Stalk)
Switch
1993-1998
Left
sidesteering
column
(turn
signals/high-low
bean
switch)
Convertible
Top
ActuatingSwitch
1994-1998
Center
console
Convertible
Top
Control
Module
1994-1998
In
lower
left
C-pillar
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
TopEnd
Position
Switch
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Convertible
Top
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
sideof
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
Top
Position
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Lock
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Motor
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
1994-1998
Inright
side
convertible
top
storage
lid
latch
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
side
of
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Coolant
Leve¡
Sensor
(if
applicable)
1992-1998
Bolted
on
radiator,
left
side
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine/cylinder
head
Fig
.
19
.
Fig
.
20
.
Cooling
Fan
Dual
Switch
1992-1998
Right
side
radiator
Fig
.
18
.
Cooling
Fan
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
front
grill
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1992-1995
At
front
crankshaft
pulley
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1996-1998
Left
rearof
crankcase
Crash
Sensor,
Airbag
1992-1993
On
right/left
frontstrut
tower
Crash
Control
Module
1992
Auxiliary
relay
panel
Crash
Control
Module
1993-1998
Driver's
side
footwell
Crash
Sensor,
Right/Left
Side
1997-1998
Right/left
door
sill
behind
front
seat
Impact
Airbag
Cruise
Control
Actuator
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
compartment
Fig
.
7
.
Cruise
Control
Module
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Data
Link
Connector
1992-1998
Right
sideof
engine
Fig
.
7
.
Digital
Motor
Electronics
(DME)
1992-1998
Right
rear
engine
compartment,
behind
bulkhead
panel
Fig
.
7
.
Control
Module
DoorLock
Heater
1993-1994
Left
front
doorhandle
DoorHandle
Switch
1994-1998
left
front
door
Drive-away
Protection
(EWS
II)
1/1995
-
1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
Fig
.
9
.
Dual
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1997-1998
Below
intake
manifold
Fig
.
19
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fig
.
20
.
Electronic
Immobilizer
Control
(
1/1995-1998
~
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
(EWS
II)
Fig
.
9
.
Continued
Tablea
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Engine
Compartment
Light
Switch
1993-1996
Over
right
headlight
assembly
Fig
.
7
.
Engine
Control
Module
(ECM)
1992-1998
Right
rear
enginecompartment,
behind
bulkhead
panel
Fig
.
7
.
Engine
Control
Module
(System)
1992-1998
I
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Relay
Engine
Coolant
Leve¡
Sensor
1
1992-1998
1
Left
front
of
enginecompartment,
radiator
coolant
reservoir
Engine
Coolant
Temperature
1992-1998
I
Left
front
of
engine
under
intake
manifold
I
Fig
.
19
.
Sensor
Fig
.
20
.
Evaporative
Emission
Valve
1992-1998
Left
side
strut
Power
area
Evaporator
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
Left
side
of
heater
box
EWS
II
Control
Module
1/1995
-
1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
EWS
II
Ring
Antenna
1
1/1995
-
1998
1
At
ignition
cylinder
EWS
II
Transmitter
Module
1/1995
-
1998
Right
side
of
steering
column
in
auxiliaryrelay
panel
Fig
.
3
.
Exhaust
Gas
Flap
Valve
1996-1998
Left
rear
muffler
area
Flasher
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Foglight
Relay
1
1992-1998
1
Power
distribution
box
1
Fig
.
2
.
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1992
1
Right
side
of
heater
box
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1993-1995
1
Below
right
side
heater
box
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1996-1998
Below
left
side
heater
box
Fuel
Injectors
1992
-
1998
Top
left
side
of
engine
Fuel
Leve¡
Sensor,
Left
1
1992-1998
/
Under
left
side
of
rear
seat
infuel
tank
Fuel
Leve¡
Sensor,
Right
1
1992-1998
1
Under
right
side
of
rear
seat
in
fuel
tank
1
Fig
.
28
.
Fuel
Pump
1
1992-1998
1
Under
right
side
of
rear
seat
in
fuel
tank
1
Fig
.
28
.
Fuel
Pump
Relay
1
1992-1998
1
Power
distribution
box
1
Fig
.
2
.
Fuel
Pump/Start
Identification
Relay
1994
-
1996
Power
distribution
box
Fuel
Tank
Pressure
Sensor
1
1997-1998
1
Right
rear
wheel
well
behind
trim
liner
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-13
Fuse
andRelay
x(Power
11992-1998
I
Left
side
of
engine
compartment
I
Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box
Fig
.
7
Fig
.
10
.
Gas
Filler
LockMotor
1992-1998
Right
side
of
luggage
compartment
Gear
Position/Neutral
Safety
Switch
1992-1998
Next
to
gear
shift
lever
in
center
console
Fig
.
29
.
(Automatic
Transmission
Range
Switch)
Glove
Compartment
Lock
Motor
1994-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Grounds
G
100
1995-1998
Front
of
left
front
fender
(headlights)
Fig
.
22
.
G
101
1992-1998
Front
of
right
front
fender
Continued
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS